proverb · Words worth keeping
Honour is a gift you give yourself.
Honour is a gift you give yourself.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying calls honour a gift one gives oneself. It presents integrity as something cultivated through one’s own choices.
Example
Someone checks whether their conduct fits a commitment instead of relying only on praise from others.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Gift makes the value inward rather than entirely dependent on recognition. A useful reading considers conduct without treating a self-awarded label as proof of virtue. The phrase does not establish that reputation, social judgment and integrity are the same thing.
When to use it
Use it to discuss responsibility for one’s own conduct.
Keep in mind
Calling oneself honourable does not prove integrity or settle others’ justified concerns.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown